Johan asks whether H.G. Conway was a good man and a kind man...I can answer these questions.

I knew Hugh and my father and he were good friends. I was fortunate to go on three International Bugatti Rallies during his lifetime and he always sought out the wives of BOC members who were, shall we say, less than pleased to be driving around in oily, open cars, frequently in dampish climates to charm and entertain them. He was always interested in what they had to say and was a superb listener. That said, he did not suffer fools gladly and could be rather abrupt if the circumstances dictated it. He would have no qualms whatsoever in telling the owner of a suspect Bugatti what was wrong with the car, usually preceded with a "look here, old boy..."

I am sure there are others on the forum who knew him better than I, but he had all the time in the world for a good and honest enthusiast.

CK

In 1979 at the tender age of thirteen I found a painting in a generic classic car book my father owned of the Binder Royale and I was captivated. I sought to find out everything I could about these cars.
My parents bought me the 'Thoroughbreds from Molshiem', and for Christmas I got the Conway/ Greilsamer book.
A short while later at a Classic car show in Brighton I came across the BOC stand, and found myself talking to a very tall Canadian man and told him about mt interest in Bugatti Royales. When someone called his name I realised that I was talking to the man who wrote all the books. He was quite patient of this persistent child and tried to answer all my questions (he didnt know for sure the colour of the Esders Roadster), and gave me a large machined piece of brass that was in actual fact a spare bevel faced radiator cap valve and a Elephant hide torque arm shackle for the 'Golden Bug'! I was obviously delighted. He told me that there was also a spare transaxle from the Royale that the club had access to, but sadly for me that day, that would be kept for one of the real cars should the need arise!
I would see him on several other occasions at Prescott and pestered him as often as I could- however I remember sensing from other club members a slightly catty attitude towards this commanding figure.

Gentlemen, from the bottom of my heart I thank you. Somebody once said that there is no keener dissapointment than a strong man with a heart of stone. Hugh Conway was a great man yes, but he was kind to the young, understanding of the predicament of wives who had to suffer at the hands of their husband's enthusiasm, and had time for keen enthusiasts. Now I learn too that he had he no problem calling a fake a fake, that just elevates him even more in my eyes!

In another post contributor Lazarus made reference to Hugh not liking certain Types, including some G.P. cars. Lazarus is right, Conway never seem to like the T38 very much for instance, yet I think some of them are quite beautiful. Somehow his dislike of certain Bugattis pleases me no end - it shows passion. No, Hugh Conway was not perfect, none of us are, but he played a great part in accurately documenting the history of Bugatti, and his writing influenced me greatly.

There is but one word to describe my feelings towards this giant of a man - hero worship.

To both CK and Greg, I thank thee.

Johan

Conway was fortunate that there were a lot of the old lags still alive in the 60's and 70's and so could find information quite easily- he didnt have the advantage of the internet though, where like minded people could share information on forums like this one, mores the pity.

I have very dear memories of my frequent contacts with Hugh.
He certainly had a very strong personality. It was not easy to go against his opinions. That is why most people did not even dare.
But he was fair!
I remember having a very heated technical discussion with Hugh during an International Bugatti Rally. We did not come to a conclusion. But two days after the rally I received a hand written letter (very interesting handwriting!) in the mail with the message: 'you were right'.
Dear memories of a great man.
Bugwrench